Newsline

According to OSHA’s latest semiannual regulatory agenda, released July 3, the agency plans to issue two new proposals related to recordkeeping and cranes and derricks in construction. The regulatory agenda lists the priorities of the administration and the rulemakings they expect to release this year; however, OSHA is not required to adhere to the timeline.

The DOL on July 3 released its spring regulatory agenda outlining the activities of its sub-agencies for the remainder of 2013, including OSHA. The regulatory agenda lists the priorities of the administration and the rulemakings they expect to release this year; however, OSHA is not required to adhere to the timeline. 

OSHA has begun its annual national outreach initiative to educate workers and employers about the hazards of heat illness. The campaign includes educational materials on heat illness in English and Spanish, resources for conducting training in the workplace and an app for mobile devices.

OSHA has officially withdrawn a proposed rule that would have changed how the agency operated its On-site Consultation Program for worksites, including those that have Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program status. The agency withdrew the rule after reviewing comments, including those submitted by ABC and the Coalition for Workplace Safety. 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) announced June 17 that it has released a new ladder safety smartphone app, which uses visual and audio signals to make it easier for workers using extension ladders to check the angle of the ladder and offers useful tips for using extension ladders safely. The app is available for free download on iPhone and Android devices. 

OSHA June 13 issued a direct final rule to update the construction signage standards by adding references to the latest versions of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) consensus standards on specifications for accident prevention signs and tags. The rule retains the existing references to the earlier ANSI standards, which allows employers the option to either comply with the updated or earlier standards.

OSHA announced on June 25 that it will be conducting a new National Emphasis Program on occupational exposure to isocyanates, which are used in materials including paints, varnishes, auto body repair, and building insulation. 

On June 4, OSHA released a directive from Assistant Secretary David Michaels changing how the agency should proceed when there is a fatality investigation at a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) site. 

OSHA May 29 issued a final rule that that broadens the current exemption for digger derricks used in the electric-utility industry to also include telecommunications work.

OSHA has released new materials to help employers comply with the newly revised Hazard Communication Requirements, including a fact sheet outlining the new training requirements, Quickcards on the new pictogram label requirements, and a brief synopsis on the labels and pictograms.